Geopolymer, also known as alkali aluminum silicate, is used as a substitute for Portland cement, and it is also used as a binder because of its good adhesive properties and heat resistance. Since Davidovits developed Geopolymer matrix composites (GMCs) based on the binder properties of geopolymer, they have been utilized as flame exhaust ducts and aircraft fire protection materials. Geopolymer structures are formed through hydrolysis and dehydration reactions, and their physical properties can be influenced by reaction conditions such as concentration, reaction time, and temperature. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of silica size and aging time on the mechanical properties of composites. Commercial water glass and kaolin were used to synthesize geopolymers, and two types of silica powder were added to increase the silicon content. Using carbon fiber mats, a fiber-reinforced composite material was fabricated using the hand lay-up method. Spectroscopy was used to confirm polymerization, aging effects, and heat treatment, and composite materials were used to measure flexural strength. As a result, it was confirmed that the longer time aging and use of nano-sized silica particles were helpful in improving the mechanical properties of the geopolymer matrix composite.

The present study is undertaken to evaluate the effect of volume fraction on the results of Charpy impact test for the rubber matrix filled with nano sized silica particles composites. The Charpy impact tests are conducted in the temperature range 0°C and –10°C. The range of volume fraction of silica particles tested are between 11% to 25%. The critical energy release rate GIC of the rubber matrix composites filled with nano sized silica particles is affected by silica volume fraction and it is shown that the value of GIC decreases as volume fraction increases. In regions close to the initial crack tip, fracture processes such as matrix deformation, silica particle debonding and delamination, and/or pull out between particles and matrix which is ascertained by SEM photographs of Charpy impact fracture surfaces.

The friction and wear characteristics of the rubber matrix composites filled with nano sized silica particles were investigated at ambient temperature by pin-on-disc friction test. The volume fraction of silica particles was 19%. The cumulative wear volume and wear rate of these materials on counterpart roughness were determined experimentally. The major failure mechanisms were lapping layers, deformation of matrix, ploughing, debonding of particles, fracture of particles and microcracking by scanning electric microscopy photograph of the tested surface. The cumulative wear volume showed a tendency to increase with increase of sliding distance. The wear rate of these composites tested indicated low value as increasing the sliding distance.

The characteristics of abrasive wear of the rubber matrix composites filled with nano sized silica particles were investigated at ambient temperature by pin-on-disc friction test. The range of volume fraction of silica particles tested are between 11% to 25%. The cumulative wear volume and friction coefficient of these materials on particle volume fraction were determined experimentally. The major failure mechanisms were lapping layers, deformation of matrix, ploughing, deboding of particles and microcracking by scanning electric microscopy photograph of the tested surface. The cumulative wear volume showed a tendency to increase nonlinear with increase of sliding distance. As increasing the silica particles of these composites indicated higher friction coefficient.

The W/O emulsion was formed by mixing hydrophobic nonion surfactants of span 80 and tween 60 with kerosine, and by adding sodium silicate aqueous solution. Precipitating the W/O emulsion by sodium bicarbonate resulted in spherical silica particles. Shape and size distribution of silica particles were observed. The particles were spherical and they have narrow size distribution. Particle sizes were 9.29, 7.39 and 5.73 μm at homogenizer speed of 2500, 3000, and 3500 rpm, respectively. The particle size was decreased by increasing agitation speed due to the formation of emulsion droplet. At fixed agitation speed, absorbed paraffin oil weight were measured and the SiO2/Na2O mole ratio effects on particle size were investigated. Particle size was decreased by increasing the mole ratio of SiO2/Na2O.

비정질 규산염 나노입자는 지각에 풍부한 규소와 산소로 이루어진 비다공성 나노입자로서 광물학을 포함한 지구환경과학과 산업적 측면에서 모두 중요한 물질이다. 본 연구에서는 1H과 29Si MAS NMR분광분석을 통해 7 nm와 14 nm 규산염 나노입자의 규소와 수소 원자 환경을 측정하고, 입자 크기에 따른 규산염 나노입자 원자 환경 변화를 규명하였다. NMR 스펙트럼의 화학적 이동 값의 이론적 배경을 이해하기 위해 양자화학계간을 통해 Si3O6H6, Si4O5H10, Si5O4H12 분자계간모델의 화학 차폐를 계산하였다. 29Si MAS NMR의 결과, 이중 실라놀(geminal silanol)과 단일 실라놀(single silanol), 실록산(siloxane) 구조의 Si 원자 환경에 해당하는 Q2, Q3, O4가 구분되어 나타나며 입자 크기에 따라 Q2, Q3, O4가 7 nm규산염 나노입자에는 7±1%, 27±2%, 66±2%, 14 nm 규산염 나노입자에는 6±1%, 21±2%, 73±2%의 분포를 갖는다. Q2, Q3 구조는 나노 입자의 표면적에 대부분 존재하는 것으로 예상되었으나, 두 규산염 나노입자의 표면적 차이에 비해 Q2, Q3 양의 차이가 적으며, 이는 입자 표면 뿐 아니라 입자 내부에도 Q2, Q3 구조가 존재함을 의미한다. 1H MAS NMR 스펙트럼은 물리흡착 된 물(physisorbed water), 수소결합 된 수산기(hydrogen bended silanol), 비 수소결합 된 수산기(non-hydrogen bonded silanol)를 구분하여 나타낸다. 14 nm 비정질 규산염 나노입자에 비해 7nm 나노입자에 약 3.4 배의 수소 원자가 존재하며, 더 강한 수소결합 세기를 갖는다. 전체 수산기 중에서 비 수소결합 된 수산기가 차지하는 비율이 7 nm 규산염 나노입자 보다 14 nm 규산염 나노입자에서 더 높으며, 이는 수소 원자간의 상대적 거리(proximity)가 14 nm 임자에서 더 긴 것을 지시한다. 본 연구결과를 통하여 현재까지 알려지지 않은 규산염 나노입자의 입자의기에 의한 다양한 원자 구조의 변화를 규명하였다.